With the recent price increase of Mounjaro, many patients are understandably considering switching to Wegovy. If you’re weighing up this change, it’s important to know that while Mounjaro and Wegovy differ slightly in the average amount of weight loss seen in studies, both are highly effective for long-term weight management.
We also offer Orlistat, another treatment option with a different mechanism that may better suit some patients.
How Do the Medications Compare?
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
- Average weight loss: Around 20–22% of starting body weight after 72 weeks, depending on dose.
- How it works: Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. These are naturally occurring hormones that help regulate appetite and blood glucose. By activating both, Mounjaro helps you feel full sooner, stay satisfied longer, and reduce overall food intake.
- How it’s taken: Once-weekly injection.
Wegovy (Semaglutide)
- Average weight loss: Around 15% of starting body weight at 68 weeks, with sustained effects at 2 years.
- How it works: Wegovy is a GLP-1 receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a natural hormone that signals your brain when you’re full. By mimicking this hormone, Wegovy helps reduce appetite and cravings, making it easier to eat less.
- How it’s taken: Once-weekly injection.
- Average weight loss: Around 5–10% of starting body weight, particularly with dietary changes.
- How it works: Orlistat works differently - it blocks about 30% of the fat in your food from being absorbed. This reduces calorie intake and supports weight loss, especially when combined with healthy eating habits.
- How it’s taken: Oral pill taken three times a day with meals.
A Practical Example (Starting Weight: 100 kg)
- Mounjaro (20%) → ~20 kg lost → 80 kg
- Wegovy (15%) → ~15 kg lost → 85 kg
- Orlistat (7%) → ~7 kg lost → 93 kg
All outcomes represent meaningful health improvements. Even modest 5–10% reduction can significantly lower blood pressure, improve blood glucose control, and reduce the risk of weight-related conditions.
The Cornerstone of Success Stays the Same
Whether you’re on Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Orlistat, it’s crucial to remember medications are tools, not solutions on their own. They may ease appetite or limit absorption, but sustainable change comes from habits.
Think of medication as a supportive handrail. It helps steady your path, but you must take the steps. Those steps stand on four key foundations:
- Nutrition – Building a balanced, sustainable, and enjoyable way of eating. Medication can help you feel fuller, but it’s your food choices that support long-term health.
- Activity – Regular movement that suits your lifestyle whilst supporting metabolism, mood, and consistency, matters more than intensity.
- Stress management – Stress can drive emotional eating, cravings, and poor sleep. Healthy coping strategies (like relaxation, journaling, or connection) are essential.
- Sleep – Quality rest regulates appetite, mood, and energy. Medication cannot replace the benefits of good, restorative sleep.
When these pillars are in place, medication becomes most effective; without them, even the strongest treatment can fall short. That’s why we emphasise education and ongoing support—real transformation comes from your habits, mindset, and routines.
The Support You’ll Always Have
With our GLP-1 weight loss medications, Mounjaro and Wegovy, you’ll have full access to:
- Our GLP-1 Nutrition Guide written by our Obesity Specialist Dietitian
- A 7-Day Meal Plan to kickstart healthy habits including recipes
- Phlo Start – our introductory programme to help you begin with confidence
- Phlo Nourish programme – a deep dive into building sustainable, healthy routines
- Access to our dedicated Patient Care Team 7 days a week
- Advice emails with nutrition & lifestyle support
You’re not navigating this journey alone, we’re with you every step of the way.
Switching from Mounjaro to Wegovy (or choosing Orlistat) isn’t about losing effectiveness. It’s about selecting a treatment that best fits your circumstances and vision. All three medications can deliver significant improvements when paired with supportive lifestyle changes.
If you're exploring your options, our team is here to guide and support you confidently every step of the way.
References
- Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity.New England Journal of Medicine. 2022;387(3):205–216.
- Wilding JPH, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.New England Journal of Medicine. 2021;384(11):989–1002.
- Garvey W, et al. Two-year effects of semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity: the STEP 5 trial.Nature Medicine. 2022;28:2083–2091.
- Sjöström L, et al. Randomised placebo-controlled trial of orlistat for weight loss and prevention of weight regain in obese patients.The Lancet. 1998;352(9123):167–172.
- Davidson MH, et al. Weight control and risk factor reduction in obese subjects treated for 2 years with orlistat: a randomized controlled trial.JAMA. 1999;281(3):235–242.